Despite the winter chill, students at St. Mary Catholic Academy found warmth and energy through the rhythms and movements of Afro-Brazilian culture this week. In celebration of African Canadian Heritage Month, the school's Black Excellence Association (BEA) welcomed renowned Capoeira master Mestre Xocolat for an immersive cultural workshop.
Capoeira, a dynamic Afro-Brazilian tradition combining martial arts, dance, and music, has deep roots in the resistance and resilience of enslaved African communities brought to Brazil during colonial times. Today, it stands as a powerful expression of heritage, strength, and artistic freedom.
During the workshop, students engaged with the foundational skills of Capoeira, learning both its fluid movements and the cultural history behind them. They were introduced to traditional instruments such as the atabaque (drum), berimbau (single-string percussion instrument), and pandeiro (hand drum). Mestre Xocolat encouraged students to recognize their own bodies and voices as tools of rhythm and self-expression.
The event was made possible through the dedicated efforts of St. Mary’s Black Excellence Association (BEA), whose fundraising and organization ensured students could experience this rich cultural experience firsthand.
The school community expressed their heartfelt appreciation for Mestre Xocolat’s willingness to share his expertise and passion for Capoeira, enriching the students’ understanding of Afro-Brazilian culture.
As African Canadian Heritage Month continues, St. Mary Catholic Academy remains committed to celebrating Black history, culture, and excellence—one step, rhythm, and movement at a time.
